Former President Nana Akufo-Addo makes his first public appearance since leaving office, attending the 68th Independence Day celebration at the Presidency.
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has arrived at the Jubilee House to participate in Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration.
This marks his first public national event since handing over power to President John Dramani Mahama.
Ghanaian media personality and Disc Jokey, DJ KA (L) and musician Akwaboah (R)
Ghanaian media personality and Disc Jokey, DJ KA, has expressed displeasure with musician, Akwaboah, for refusing to pay him after working as the Master of Ceremony (MC) during his father’s funeral.
One may recall that Akwaboah Junior laid his late father, Akwaboah Senior, to rest on September 30, 2023, at Trede, a suburb of Kumasi.
In a video shared on March 6, 2025, DJ KA narrated how Akwaboah Junior reached out to him to MC his father’s funeral.
“I was there one time when Akwaboah called me to MC his father’s funeral. After work that day, I went to his house and he asked me how much I would charge him. I didn’t give him a specific amount but [told him that] after the burial ceremony, he should give me something for my work.
“After the discussion, his PA gave me GH¢200 for fuel. During the burial ceremony, I went early to do my job. That afternoon during the funeral ceremony, I saw some MCs also there and they were even hesitant to give me the microphone to which I informed Akwaboah, but he told me not to worry because he had hired me,” he said.
DJ KA added that after working for Akwaboah Junior, he has, however, refused to pay him for his work.
“After the program, I noticed Akwaboah was busy, I left home hoping he would call me on Monday but he didn’t. I called him on Tuesday and he told me he has traveled to Accra. He asked me to stay put and he would send me something. My mother was celebrating her birthday so I asked if he could do a video for me, can you believe he didn’t mind up to now? Can you imagine I only got GH¢200 from the program?” he disclosed.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
JHM/AE
Zenith Bank Ghana has marked Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration with a rich display of Ghanaian Culture in its 43 business locations nationwide.
The Bank’s “Wear Ghana” initiative saw staff members proudly adorned in local Ghanaian prints to celebrate Ghanaian fashion, promote national identity and encourage the patronage of locally manufactured fabrics, while its “Tastes of Ghana’ customer initiative treated the Bank’s customers to local bar set-ups of some of Ghana’s beloved local drinks and traditional snacks such as Asana, Sobolo, Lamugin, Adunlei, Atsomo, Nkatsi cake and Agbele Kaklo.
Speaking at a warm and celebratory atmosphere on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd, described the initiative as a heartfelt tribute to Ghana’s independence, providing both staff and customers with an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s rich history and traditions in a meaningful way.
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“As a Bank, we believe in the importance of honouring national identity and ensuring that our customers feel connected not only to us but also to the rich heritage that defines Ghana,” Mr. Onwuzurigbo stated.
A customer who spoke in anonymity said, the initiative shows that Zenith Bank understands the importance of national pride and is committed to strengthening this through its relationship with customers.
“It is heartwarming to see that Zenith Bank is not only focused on its core business but also actively participating in the celebration of the nation’s independence, fostering a strong sense of belonging,” he added.
The “Wear Ghana” and “Tastes of Ghana” initiatives, not only marked Ghana’s 68th Independence, but also strengthened the Bank’s longstanding relationship with its customers, creating a sense of community and shared national pride.
As the Bank continues to play an active role in the growth and development of Ghana, initiatives like these serve as reminders of its dedication to honouring the country’s heritage while reinforcing its role as a key player in the country’s economic development. Zenith Bank is proud to be part of a forward-looking Ghana, where history is celebrated, and the future is bright.
Koforidua Court of Appeal orders substituted service on John-Peter Amewu
A Koforidua Court of Appeal has ordered that the processes of the court be served on Mr John-Peter Amewu, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, through substituted service.
The Court further directed that the court processes be posted on the notice boards of the Koforidua Court of Appeal, Hohoe High Court, Ho High Court and on the gates of Mr Amewu’s residence in Hohoe.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was among the distinguished guests at Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, held at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The statesman’s presence added to the significance of the occasion, which brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries to commemorate Ghana’s historic liberation from colonial rule.
President, John Mahama, says this year’s Independence Day celebration was held in a modest durbar at Jubilee House, rather than the traditional Independence Square, due to the country’s ongoing financial challenges.
Speaking during the 68th Independence Anniversary celebrations on 6th March, President Mahama revealed that a budget of GHC20 million had been proposed for the event if it were to be hosted at Independence Square.
“The State spent GHC15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and spent GHC13.7 million on the previous year’s celebration in Ho in the Volta region. This year, we received an estimate of at least GHC20 million for holding the event at Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years, in a year when we calling on all to sacrifice” he said.
However, given the current economic situation, he said the decision was made to scale down the event and hold it in his office, ultimately saving an impressive 95% of the original budget.
“Today’s event will save us 95% of the estimated cost of the event,” he said.
This move, Mr. Mahama emphasised, was a necessary step to manage public funds responsibly while still honouring the significance of the national day.
“By reducing the scale of the event we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited use of our resources,” he added.
The scaled-down event, which took place in a small durbar at Jubilee House, was attended by a limited number of dignitaries and officials.
President Mahama acknowledged the sacrifices the country is making to manage its financial difficulties but expressed his commitment to preserving the spirit of the day and the nation’s independence.
The President also noted that this decision reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritise the welfare of Ghanaians during a time of economic hardship and find ways to solve the challenges the masses are confronted with.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama did not sanction the reported attack on former Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, the Member of Parliament for Hohoe constituency, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, has said.
Describing such media reports as derisory, the MP insisted that such spurious allegations could only be coming from the camp of the opposition.
“It is fair to say that President Mahama does not have such powers under the constitution to dictate to the courts and security agencies how they go about their business,” Worlanyo Tsekpo said.
The Hohoe MP made these remarks on Channel One TV, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, while responding to media reports that suggested that the alleged gun attack on John Peter Amewu’s residence on Tuesday was directed by the president.
Worlanyo Tsekpo further clarified that court bailiffs had visited the premises of the former minister to serve a process on him in a pending case at the Ho High Court in the Volta Region.
According to him, the Ho High Court resorted to a substituted service after Amewu failed to make himself available for personal service.
“The matter has to do with the 2020 Election, I’m referring to the SALL case. The former MP has constantly evaded service, so an application was filed and the court ordered for a substituted service. As we all know, such service could be posted on the walls or on the gate of the person involved.
“Because of the history of court officials being beaten by supporters of Mr Amewu, this time around, they decided to go with security officials to properly execute the order, creating the confusion we all witnessed,” Worlanyo Tsekpo added.
Worlanyo Tsekpo further said that he was dismayed and appalled by how supporters and some key figures within the NPP deceived a section of the public in believing that armed men had besieged the premises of John Peter Amewu.
He said the NPP achieved their intention of creating unnecessary panic, stressing that the “security services did not know where to find Mr Amewu anytime they want to invite for questioning. So, they had to paste the notice on the wall of his house.”
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama did not sanction the reported attack on former Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, the Member of Parliament for Hohoe constituency, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, has said.
Describing such media reports as derisory, the MP insisted that such spurious allegations could only be coming from the camp of the opposition.
“It is fair to say that President Mahama does not have such powers under the constitution to dictate to the courts and security agencies how they go about their business,” Worlanyo Tsekpo said.
The Hohoe MP made these remarks on Channel One TV, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, while responding to media reports that suggested that the alleged gun attack on John Peter Amewu’s residence on Tuesday was directed by the president.
Worlanyo Tsekpo further clarified that court bailiffs had visited the premises of the former minister to serve a process on him in a pending case at the Ho High Court in the Volta Region.
According to him, the Ho High Court resorted to a substituted service after Amewu failed to make himself available for personal service.
“The matter has to do with the 2020 Election, I’m referring to the SALL case. The former MP has constantly evaded service, so an application was filed and the court ordered for a substituted service. As we all know, such service could be posted on the walls or on the gate of the person involved.
“Because of the history of court officials being beaten by supporters of Mr Amewu, this time around, they decided to go with security officials to properly execute the order, creating the confusion we all witnessed,” Worlanyo Tsekpo added.
Worlanyo Tsekpo further said that he was dismayed and appalled by how supporters and some key figures within the NPP deceived a section of the public in believing that armed men had besieged the premises of John Peter Amewu.
He said the NPP achieved their intention of creating unnecessary panic, stressing that the “security services did not know where to find Mr Amewu anytime they want to invite for questioning. So, they had to paste the notice on the wall of his house.”
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi
The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has acknowledged that while the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative was a significant step toward economic transformation, it has yet to fully achieve its objectives.
Speaking on GHOne TV, as monitored by MyNewsGh, he stated that although the government has made great strides in reducing import dependence and boosting local production, certain challenges have hindered the initiative’s complete success.
“No government in Ghana’s history has ever introduced such an ambitious policy to create factories and businesses as we did. Our goal was to reduce importation and focus on developing local industries,” he explained.
However, he noted that financial constraints posed a major challenge in establishing and sustaining these businesses.
“The government alone does not have the capacity to establish and run businesses. That is why 1D1F was structured as a private-sector-led initiative. Businesspeople were encouraged to invest, but we faced challenges that hindered full implementation,” he said.
On food production, Hon. Baafi highlighted the government’s efforts to curb smuggling and ensure food security. However, he admitted that certain products, such as cashew and cereals, continued to be illegally exported.
“We introduced policies to ban the export of certain products so they could be sold locally, but people still smuggled them out. Even with border security reinforcements, we couldn’t fully control the situation,” he admitted.
Despite these setbacks, the MP remains optimistic about the future of the 1D1F initiative.
“We have laid a strong foundation. This government will continue its work to achieve the initiative’s full objectives,” he concluded.
Ghanaian international, Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus has endured a frustrating 2024-2025 campaign, with the West Ham United midfielder seeing more of his shots denied by the woodwork than any other player in the English Premier League.
The Ghanaian international, who dazzled in his debut season with eight goals and six assists, has struggled to replicate that form, managing just three goals and one assist in 22 league matches.
However, his misfortune is evident in a remarkable statistic†no player has hit the post or crossbar more times than Kudus, whose five efforts against the woodwork lead the league.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer shares the tally, while Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland, and Mohamed Salah are among those who have been denied by the frame of the goal four times.
Kudus remains a crucial part of Ghana’s plans and is expected to be named in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar later this month.
Meanwhile watch as Ghanaians debate the appointment of Jordan Ayew as Black Stars captain below
Tonto made it known that she has no interest in his family dynamics as she reminded him that he is married yet fathered a child with his Kenya baby mama.
Popular Nigerian actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh has responded after businessman, Cubana Chiefpriest slammed her for her comments over his refusal to submit himself for a DNA test to ascertain the paternity of the son he allegedly fathered with a Kenyan lady.
Ghana is celebrating its 68th Independence Day today, Thursday, March 6, marking nearly seven decades since the country gained freedom from British colonial rule.
This year’s theme, “Reflect, Review, Reset,” emphasises the importance of looking back on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
Unlike previous years, the celebrations will be more modest due to economic constraints.
Watch now the live broadcast of the Independence Day Celebration:
News Hub Creator3h
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s recent announcement of a 10% wage increase for public sector workers. The union is instead demanding a 30% increase, citing the prevailing economic conditions and the rising cost of living.
According to Bernard Owusu, Chairman of the TUC, the decision to accept the 10% offer was conditional, pending further negotiations scheduled for April 2025. “Nobody is okay with the government’s offer. We accepted it with the understanding that we’ll renegotiate in April and potentially secure a better deal,” Owusu stated.
The TUC’s stance reflects growing discontent among public sector workers, who feel that the government’s approach to addressing their wages is inadequate. While the government justifies the 10% increase based on current economic conditions, workers’ unions argue that it’s insufficient to meet the financial challenges they face.
Owusu emphasized that the TUC believes the government could have offered more, but the increase was constrained by economic circumstances. Despite concerns, the TUC has accepted the 10% increase as a temporary measure, hoping for a better outcome in the upcoming April negotiations.
The union remains committed to advocating for fair wages for public sector workers, emphasizing that their fight for better compensation is ongoing.
Source: Ghpage
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the 68th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Jubilee House has saved the country a whooping amount had it been held at the Independent Square.
Delivering his speech at the ceremony on Thursday, March 6, 2025 the President said the event had initially been estimated to cost the country GHS 20 million had it been held at the traditional grounds, the Independence Square.
“This year we received estimate of at least 20 million Ghana cedis for holding the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous year,” John Mahama noted.
He explained that however, considering the current economic crisis it would be “unconscionable to spend that kind of money for the few hours of celebration.”
This prompted Government to host this year’s celebration at the seat of government, the Jubilee House to cut huge cost.
This decision the President said “will save us 95% of estimated cost of the event.”
According to the President, the state spent 15 million Ghana cedis on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and spent 13.7 million cedis on the previous year’s celebration in Ho in the Volta Region.
President John Dramani Mahama noted that despite reduction in the cost of hosting the event, it’s significant cannot be ignored as “it lifts the flame of independence in Sub-Saharan Africa by inspiring other countries yield to colonial exploitation to seek independence and self-determination.”
“Nonetheless this scale down does not diminish the importance and significance of this occasion in any anyway.
“It’s the single most important event in our history as it sets us on the path of nationhood,” the President stressed.
Background
Ghanaians all over the world especially those in Ghana are marking the Independence Day celebration. 6th March is a significant day in the Ghanaian calendar because the defines the spirit of resilience, determination, courage and unity of the people.
Ghana prides herself as the Blackstar and the gateway to Africa. She was the first country to gain independence in sub-Saharan Africa. Achieving this feat didn’t come easy as many credit Dr Kwame Nkrumah for leading and playing a great role in securing the much-needed independence for Ghana and Africa.
Brief History
Ghana was colonized by the British in the late 19th century. She became a British colony in 1874. After the second world war, there was a political advocacy in Africa calling for self-government. In Gold Coast as it was called by then, a few political parties were formed. The first of this was the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947. Kwame Nkrumah, who was an active member, broke away from the UGCC and later formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The United Gold Coast Convention advocated for Self-Government within the shortest possible time while Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party championed ‘Self-Government now’.
The road to the independence saw mass mobilization, strikes, protest by the CPP which increased pressure on the colonial masters. The colonial masters in response to this gave an opportunity for limited self-government by organizing elections in 1951. These reforms made Kwame Nkrumah the Prime Minister.
Declaration of Independence
On 6th March 1957, Dr Kwame Nkrumah declared “At long last the battle has ended and thus Ghana our beloved country is free forever.” On this day, Ghana gained her freedom from colonial rule and Kwame Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana. This was marked with jubilation across the country.
Significance and Legacy
A lot of other nations took inspiration Ghana’s achievement in attaining self-rule and decided to embark on that journey. Nkrumah’s leadership emphasized Pan-Africanism and continental unity. He backed his vision with action by helping other Africans who were ready to deliver their nations from colonial rule.
On 6th March every, school children and the security agency march to mark this day. This year’s event marks the 68th celebration and it is under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset”
By Kingsley Mamore
KpareKpare (O/R), March 6, GNA- Residents of the KpareKpare Circuit have expressed mixed emotions following the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
The cancellation, which was announced by government to save cost, has left some residents feeling disappointed and others relieved.
Some residents, particularly students and traders, who were looking forward to the celebrations, which typically include parades, cultural performances, and food sales.
They expressed disappointment at the cancellation, citing the loss of income and entertainment opportunities.
“We were expecting to sell some food and drinks today but now we have to look for other ways to make money,” Madam Joycylen Yaa Agbodza and other food vendors added.
Others, however, welcomed the cancellation, citing concerns about the cost of hosting the celebrations and the potential disruption to daily activities.
Another section of the residents expressed e view that parading students under the scorching sun for Independence Day celebration was a waste of time.
Mr. Peter Kwasi Osei, another resident, echoed similar sentiments “I don’t see the point of making students stand in the sun for hours just to celebrate Independence Day, it’s a waste of time and energy. ”
GNA
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has urged Ghanaians to rally behind President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to reset the country, calling for national reflection, review, and rebuilding of the economy.
According to the party, the initiative outlined by President Mahama will benefit all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, creed, or ideology, if successfully implemented.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 6, the CPP commended the president for his decision to scale down the 68th Independence Anniversary Commemoration, saving the nation GHS13.5 million an amount they stated represents 90% of the previous cost.
The CPP noted that during the 66th Independence Anniversary in 2023, it had called for a boycott of Independence Day celebrations until the country was in a better state.
The party added that even as far back as the 55th Independence Anniversary in 2012, prominent CPP members had made similar calls, launching both social media campaigns and street engagements to advocate for change.
“The initiative to scale down the Independence Celebrations, as part of the reset agenda by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, is indeed laudable,” the statement read.
The CPP further highlighted a significant moment during the recent National Economic Dialogue organized by the State, where a key admission was made at the opening plenary. Speakers acknowledged that the economic success of the First Republic under the CPP remains unmatched to this day and should be a model for the nation’s progress.
“This was indeed a humbling admission, and the CPP is proud to have set a high standard of positive achievements during its time in power,” the statement added. 
Veteran Nigerian actress, Kate Henshaw has weighed in on the controversy between the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The thespian commended the Senator for her courage amidst the ongoing dispute with the Senate President.
Speaking via Instagram, she applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing the outdated narratives about the importance or roles of women to prevail.
The Member of Parliament of Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, has labeled reports of gun attacks at the residence of former Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, as inaccurate.
Speaking to Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Hohoe MP clarified that court bailiffs on that fateful day had visited the premises of Amewu to serve a process on him in a pending case at the Ho High Court in the Volta Region.
According to him, the Ho High Court resorted to a substituted service after the former minister failed to make himself available for personal service.
“The matter has to do with the 2020 Election, I’m referring to the SALL case. The former MP has constantly evaded service. So, an application was filed and the court ordered for a substituted service. As we all know, such service could be posted on the walls or on the gate of the person involved.
“Because of the history of court officials being beaten by supporters of John Peter Amewu, this time around, they decided to go with security officials to properly execute the order, creating the confusion we all witnessed,” Worlanyo added.
The Member of Parliament of Hohoe indicated that he was dismayed and appalled by how supporters and some key figures within the NPP hoaxed a section of the public into believing that armed men had besieged the premises of the former MP.
He said the NPP achieved their intention of creating panic, stressing that the “security services don’t know where to find John Peter Amewu anytime they want to invite him for questioning. So, they had to paste the notice on the wall of his house.”
The first wave of reports stated there was shooting at the residence of the former MP, while others said they had seen people breaking into the home of the former minister.
Worlanyo Tsekpo insists earlier reports circulating in the media are flawed and that Hohoe is peaceful, the report added.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
VPO/AE
Ghana’s financial ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by pioneering efforts of the Ghana Interbank Payment & Settlement Systems (GhIPSS).
As the country celebrates its 68th Independence Day, GhIPSS stands as evidence of the nation’s ability to develop world-class financial solutions tailored to its unique needs.
By spearheading innovative digital payment services, GhIPSS is not only expanding financial inclusion but also accelerating economic growth and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital payment space.
Leading the digital revolution
Since its establishment by the Bank of Ghana in 2007, GhIPSS has been at the forefront of digitising Ghana’s financial sector. Its suite of payment solutions – gh-link Card, GhQR and GhanaPay Mobile Money – has redefined how individuals and businesses transact, making payments faster, more secure and widely accessible.
gh-link Card: a secure and affordable alternative
One of GhIPSS’s flagship innovations is the gh-link Card, Ghana’s first domestic EMV card scheme. Designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to international card networks, gh-link ensures that transactions are processed locally, thus reducing fees and enhancing security. By interconnecting all banks and financial institutions, gh-link allows seamless ATM withdrawals, POS transactions and online payments, empowering businesses and individuals alike.
GhQR: revolutionising merchant payments
For merchants and small businesses, the cost of setting up electronic payment systems has historically been prohibitive. GhQR addresses this challenge by providing a simple, low-cost alternative to POS terminals.
Customers can pay instantly by scanning a QR code or dialling a USSD code, making digital transactions more inclusive, particularly, for small businesses in the informal sector.
By supporting transactions across multiple banks and mobile money operators, GhQR has rapidly become a cornerstone of Ghana’s cashless economy, fostering efficiency, security and convenience.
GhanaPay: the future of mobile money
Recognising the dominance of mobile money in Ghana’s financial ecosystem, GhIPSS introduced GhanaPay Mobile Money – the first bank-led mobile money service.
Unlike traditional mobile money platforms, GhanaPay integrates seamlessly with banking services, offering users access to savings, bill payments and even interest on wallet balances. With zero transaction fees, apart from the government-imposed electronic levy (e-levy), GhanaPay is redefining affordability in mobile financial services.
GhanaPay is open to all Ghanaians, whether they have a bank account or not – ensuring that financial services reach even the most underserved communities. With over 68% of Ghanaians now financially included, GhanaPay is a key driver in the country’s financial empowerment agenda.
Driving economic growth through financial inclusion
GhIPSS’s initiatives are not just about convenience – they are fundamental to Ghana’s economic development. By digitising payments, GhIPSS is reducing dependency on cash, improving financial transparency and enabling small businesses to thrive.
Digital transactions provide a clear financial footprint, allowing businesses to access credit and investment opportunities. Informal traders, who make up approximately 80% of Ghana’s workforce, now have better access to financial tools that were once out of reach.
By integrating digital payments into daily commerce, GhIPSS is laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Positioning Ghana as a digital payments leader
Ghana’s approach to digital payments is setting a precedent across Africa. Unlike many countries that rely solely on mobile money providers, Ghana’s interoperable framework ensures seamless transactions across banks, fintechs and mobile money operators. This model enhances competition, lowers costs and fosters innovation.
Moreover, by ensuring that transaction data remain within the country, GhIPSS is strengthening Ghana’s financial sovereignty. Increased investment in cybersecurity and data protection ensures that Ghana’s digital economy is secure and resilient against external threats.
Overcoming challenges and future prospects
Despite its successes, the journey toward a fully cashless economy is not without challenges. Digital literacy remains a barrier, particularly in rural areas where some individuals are hesitant to adopt electronic transactions. GhIPSS continues to work closely with banks, fintechs and government agencies to enhance awareness and build trust in digital payments.
Expanding the agent network for GhanaPay, increasing GhQR adoption among merchants and further integrating digital payments into government services are key areas for future growth.
With continued innovation and stakeholder collaboration, GhIPSS is well-positioned to drive Ghana’s financial sector into the future.
Conclusion
As Ghana celebrates another year of independence, its advancements in digital payments stand as a testament to its innovation and resilience. GhIPSS is not just facilitating transactions – it is revolutionising the way Ghanaians interact with money.
By offering secure, cost-effective and accessible payment solutions, GhIPSS is empowering individuals, strengthening businesses and positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
The future of Ghana’s financial sector is digital – and GhIPSS is at the heart of this revolution, proving that homegrown solutions can drive lasting change. With an unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and economic growth, GhIPSS continues to shape a cashless, inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The visit aims to strengthen the collaboration between Denmark and Ghana in areas of development
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, received a delegation from the Danish Embassy, led by Ambassador Tom Nørring, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
The ambassador’s visit aimed to strengthen the collaboration between Denmark and Ghana in various areas of development, including wastewater management, sanitation, and climate adaptation.
In welcoming the delegation, the Minister underscored the importance of Ghana’s relationship with Denmark while highlighting some areas of collaboration the ministry has worked on with the embassy over the years.
“Denmark’s collaboration with the Government of Ghana spans decades across various sectors, such as health, transport, water and sanitation, as well as local governance and decentralization, mainly through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA),” he said.
“The Ministry has collaborated with DANIDA in the implementation of interventions such as Danish Support to District Assemblies (DSDA) Phase I and II, District Development Facility (DDF), Local Service Delivery and Governance Programme, Right to Services and Good Governance Project (RSGGP), and the Local Service Delivery and Governance Programme,” he added.
The minister also noted possible areas of collaboration going forward, including capacity building for officials and staff of agencies under the ministry and working together on Phase II of the DSDA project:
1. Capacity building for officials and staff of Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and District Assemblies in the effective execution of their mandate through the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), soon to become the University of Local Governance and Development (ULGD);
2. Providing support to Sub-District Structures to revamp these structures and ensure their functionality;
3. With the merger of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with Local Government, support is requested to take advantage of the tripod—deepening partnership and cooperation with Non-State Actors (NSAs);
4. Fostering Local Economic Development through capacity building and supporting local development initiatives;
5. Reintroducing policy dialogue on the former Local Government Finances Bill, now part of the Government Resetting Ghana Agenda, i.e., drafting of the Borrowing Bill, which Denmark supported from 2015 to 2018, to ensure the principle of the triple Fs—Finance (Money), Functionaries (Human Capital), and Functions (Responsibilities)—is upheld; and
6. Improving Sanitation and Environmental Sustainability, akin to the DSDA II.
On his part, the ambassador affirmed Denmark’s commitment to continue supporting Ghana in finding innovative and data-driven solutions that integrate sanitation, wastewater management, and climate adaptation into policies.
GA
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.
In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.51 and a selling price of GH¢15.52 to a dollar.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢19.95 and sold at GH¢19.97, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.68 and a selling price of GH¢16.69.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on March 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.90 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.25 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢16.80 on the retail market.
To curb the depreciation of the cedi, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.
SA
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Former England midfielder Joey Barton
Former England midfielder Joey Barton has doubled down on his denigration of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and African football, with his latest claim being that the continent has not produced a defender in the class of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
Barton, who backed Carragher on his claim that AFCON is not a major tournament, has hit back at his critics, stating that Jamie Carragher was a superior talent to any defender that has come out of the African continent.
He noted that while Africa might have produced some of the best footballers in the history of the game, the continent has not churned out a defender who could lace Carragher’s boots.
“Africa has never produced a better defender than Jamie Carragher. Can anybody name a better African defender than Jamie Carragher? Kolo Toure was never better than Carragher.
“It’s a great continent that has produced phenomenal talent and deserves to be taken seriously as a major tournament, but you can’t name me one defender who was better than Carragher,” he said.
His comments have triggered Africans on social media, who accuse him of speaking with racist and ignorant biases.
They hold that Joey Barton has a reputation for being controversial and that his latest statement is one of his usual bizarre comments.
Others hold that Joey Barton, who played for Newcastle and Manchester and was accused of domestic violence, is a nonentity whose statements should be treated with the contempt they deserve.
“Africa has never produced a better defender than Jamie Carragher”
– Joey Barton
pic.twitter.com/8f7IKGoGW2— All Around Nigeria 🌍🇳🇬 (@AllAroundNGR) March 6, 2025
Ebi you people go elevate Joey Barton ein nonsense and argue about am all day.
— Yaw (@theyawofosu) March 6, 2025
Stop giving Joey Barton a platform. No one cares what he thinks.
— kwadwo (@Kwadwo_Hemeng) March 6, 2025
Joey Barton nu, w’abodam! https://t.co/2G7ai100M4
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) March 6, 2025
Joey Barton, we all know what you are doing. There are better African defenders than Jamie carragher. They had pace, technical ability & flair in their day. They may not have played in the premier league but don’t take away from their attributes and accolades to make your point.
— ✨👑 DaddyMO👑✨🏁 (@therealdaddymo1) March 6, 2025
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with the owner of Spintex Knights, Dr Opoku-Antwi below:
EK
Abu Shouk is home to hundreds and thousands who were forced to flee their homes
Dozens of people in the Sudanese state of North Darfur are feared dead following heavy shelling on a camp for displaced people.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked a crowded market at Abu Shouk, a camp on the outskirts of the city of el-Fasher, for roughly two hours on Tuesday evening, a local official told the BBC.
The camp is home to over half a million displaced people and the assault on its market is the second in three days.
El-Fasher is the last major town in Darfur under army control and has been under siege by the RSF for almost a year.
Tuesday’s attack on Abu Shouk took place at the busiest time of day. The camp’s population are mostly Muslims, who are observing the holy month of Ramadan, and many were out shopping at the market, preparing to break their fast for the day.
The shelling caused several injuries, ranging from mild to severe, Dr Ibrahim Nadyan, a medic at el-Fasher’s last functioning hospital, told the BBC.
Abu Shouk was also shelled by the RSF on Sunday, in an attack that that killed six civilians, local health volunteers said.
The RSF has not commented on either Sunday or Tuesday’s attack.
Since it erupted in April 2023, the war has killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and left many facing famine.
Both the RSF and the army have been accused of committing atrocities, with the RSF accused of committed a genocide in Darfur against the region’s non-Arabic groups.
The conflict has split the country, with the army controlling the north and the east, while the RSF holds most of the Darfur region in the west and parts of the south.
In recent weeks, the army has retaken parts of Khartoum and surrounding areas from the RSF.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
Sometimes, ending a relationship is the best course for both parties involved. However, relationships often end on a bad note, with people not respecting each other. One woman decided to do things differently. She sent her last message to her ex-boyfriend, filled with nothing but respect and understanding. Reddit user u/flapdragon999 shared the message on Reddit, and people loved how the relationship ended cordially.
The text message reads, “I really appreciate your transparency. To be honest with you, I don’t think we should get back together because I don’t think there’s compromising when it comes down to core personality differences.” She also discussed other challenges they faced in their relationship. She felt that she was not a decent girlfriend and was “barely” being there for herself, and she couldn’t imagine being there for a partner like him. The woman apologizes to her former boyfriend for that.
Instead of placing blame, she fondly recalled the good times they shared. “I want you to know this isn’t a reflection on you as a person. I still tell my friends about how kind you were to me in our relationship, and I still smile at the memories we share,” the woman wrote in the text message. She also adds that he is an “incredible human” and the time she spent with him meant a lot to her. She concludes with the most beautiful lines. “Ultimately, this is me making sure resentment doesn’t build in the future. That being said, if at any point you do feel like you want and are ready for friendship, I’ll always be here.” These words are what made all the difference. She chose to end the relationship positively instead of saying that she never wanted to see him again or that this was it.
Although the original post has since been deleted, people loved the maturity with which the person ended the relationship. u/AbundanceToAll commented, “What a beautiful message. I’m guessing you both had a very respectful relationship. Very mature to part ways like this when there are core differences. You were a great partner and a good human.” u/Willowy wrote, “The message was honest, sincere, and respectful of OP’s feelings. Seems like a truly good person wrote it.” u/AsmodayVernon shared, “So happy for you, you got a text like that. Nowadays it’s rare as hell. Truly a gem, even if wounded. And so are you! Take care, you both. Who knows, maybe fate will bring you back together?” u/emsAZ74 expressed, “This is genuinely so sweet. I’m happy for you OP. And even though she admits she can’t be a good girlfriend right now, this does show a great deal of emotional maturity.”
The man shared some more information about his girlfriend in the comments as well. “I got lucky. She was 23 and somehow the most emotionally intelligent person I’ve ever met. At the same time, I poured my heart into the relationship and gave everything I had, so I feel like I earned and deserved a respectful breakup. Feels bittersweet but I can’t complain,” he wrote. However, he also added that he couldn’t think of being friends with her as it would be hard, and if it created tension, all the good memories would also get tainted. “I just gotta let it go and appreciate that chapter in my life,” he wrote in another comment.
Economist and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has stressed the need for policies aimed at formalizing Ghana’s informal sector to enhance productivity and drive economic transformation.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Dr. Thompson pointed out that discussions about the informal sector often focus too narrowly on taxation, overlooking the more pressing issue of low productivity.
He explained that Ghana’s low productivity levels are largely due to the dominance of the informal sector, emphasizing that formalization should be a key pillar of any economic transformation strategy.
“Every time we talk about the informal sector, the first thing that comes to mind is taxes. There is a segment that should be paying taxes but is not paying. However, a vast majority of them are below the threshold for paying taxes.
“Precisely because skills are low, capital per worker is low; all these combined means that the value added per worker there is very low. That is what actually brings down the overall productivity for Ghana, which is around $5 or $6 per hour worked.
“Part of the reason why it is so low for Ghana is the dominance of the informal sector. So, formalization should actually be an explicit objective of policy for any transformation agenda. But unfortunately, as you rightly said, we often think of it only in tax terms. If you work them to improve productivity, it goes up, right away the taxes will also go up,”* he stated.
Dr. Thompson further identified Ghana’s educational gap as a major hindrance to economic growth, citing a report that reveals 20% of the labor force has no formal education, while another 54% have only up to junior high school (JHS) education.
“I was reading a report that stated that 20% of our labour force has no formal education and another 54% have up to JHS education. So, we are looking at 2/3 of the labour force, for all intended purposes, is not suitable for our modern economy,” he added.
Ghana@68: Our history is critical for contemporary decision-making – Nii Moi Thompson
The General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has expressed disappointment in political leaders in the country due to bad governance.
In a video shared on social media on March 4, 2025, Prophet Kofi Oduro, who was seen preaching to his congregation, noted that political leaders in the country have misplaced priorities.
He explained that politicians are fond of politicking instead of working to improve the bad state of the country.
“We are fond of saying things we cannot do, and that is another reason the country is experiencing all these difficulties. Everyone is stealing from the national account, especially those entrusted to the helms of affairs. Ghana is a sick nation,” he said.
Prophet Kofi Oduro further urged politicians and people in charge of affairs to refrain from corruption and politicking since it is having a negative impact on the economy.
“If you are allowed to work in a position, it is an opportunity to serve. Let your work speak, not your words. You people speak too much. You will hear them talking from morning to evening and they are all cheap talks.
“I went somewhere with my wife and the way the people have beautified the country, I was telling her these people don’t worship God, and pray like you do yet they are fully developed. You don’t fear God and your priorities are misplaced. Misappropriated priorities. Everyone wants to show off, yet you don’t have anything,” he added.
Watch the video below:
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
JHM/AE
Fatawu Issahaku with his new hairstyle
Leicester City players have coined a new name for Ghanaian winger, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, after he showed up for training with a new hairstyle.
Issahaku, who is recovering from a season-ending injury, was in the dressing room ahead of a training session.
Issahaku showed up with his hair dyed gold, which amused his teammates, who reacted by giving him a new name—Auntie Fatawu.
In the video, Issahaku sought an explanation from his teammates about his new name, but they explained to him that his hairstyle is typically for women of a certain age in Nigeria.
The sight of Issahaku without the crutches would be good news to Leicester City fans who have missed the services of the winger.
The 22-year-old sustained the injury during Ghana’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola, forcing him to miss the rest of the campaign.
“Auntie” Abdul Fatawu Issahaku😂#JoySports pic.twitter.com/aTNtpxw3x3
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 5, 2025
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with the owner of Spintex Knights, Dr Opoku-Antwi below:
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A group of progressive women in the Eastern region has sought to shake the ruling National Democratic Congress out of any complacency that the party may have fallen into after its landslide win in the 2024 elections.
In a wake-up call, the women are asking the ruling party to start preparation toward the next election now, and that the stratagem should be to select another Northern sector popular person with a high pedigree and a national character to lead the party into the 2028 elections.
News Hub Creator17h
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Zenith Bank Ghana has marked Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration with a rich display of Ghanaian Culture in its 43 business locations nationwide.
The Bank’s “Wear Ghana” initiative saw staff members proudly adorned in local Ghanaian prints to celebrate Ghanaian fashion, promote national identity and encourage the patronage of locally manufactured fabrics, while its “Tastes of Ghana’ customer initiative treated the Bank’s customers to local bar set-ups of some of Ghana’s beloved local drinks and traditional snacks such as Asana, Sobolo, Lamugin, Adunlei, Atsomo, Nkatsi cake and Agbele Kaklo.
Speaking at a warm and celebratory atmosphere on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd, described the initiative as a heartfelt tribute to Ghana’s independence, providing both staff and customers with an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s rich history and traditions in a meaningful way.
“As a Bank, we believe in the importance of honouring national identity and ensuring that our customers feel connected not only to us but also to the rich heritage that defines Ghana,” Mr. Onwuzurigbo stated.
A customer who spoke in anonymity said, the initiative shows that Zenith Bank understands the importance of national pride and is committed to strengthening this through its relationship with customers.
“It is heartwarming to see that Zenith Bank is not only focused on its core business but also actively participating in the celebration of the nation’s independence, fostering a strong sense of belonging,” he added.
The “Wear Ghana” and “Tastes of Ghana” initiatives, not only marked Ghana’s 68th Independence, but also strengthened the Bank’s longstanding relationship with its customers, creating a sense of community and shared national pride.
As the Bank continues to play an active role in the growth and development of Ghana, initiatives like these serve as reminders of its dedication to honouring the country’s heritage while reinforcing its role as a key player in the country’s economic development.
Zenith Bank is proud to be part of a forward-looking Ghana, where history is celebrated, and the future is bright.
Wunmi has slammed Vincent Otse, aka Very Dark Man, for allegations he’s made about her since her husband’s death.
She called him out for raising questions about her son’s paternity and for siding with the people who allegedly bullied her late husband, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has assured that government will consider listing State Owned Enterprises on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
This follows calls by the Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange for the SOEs to be listed as a measure to enhance efficiency and profitability.
At the recently held national economic dialogue, the finance minister painted a bleak picture of heavy losses for the SOEs.
During a panel discussion at the same conference, the Trade Minister announced that government will explore the option of raising funds on the stock market for the SOEs
“I’m sure that government will look at listing SOEs and make sure that we get some of our funding locally. That’s the only way our pension funds will grow for us to get good pension,” she said.
The visit, part of President Mahama’s efforts to consolidate Ghana’s relations with its ECOWAS neigh
President John Dramani Mahama has returned from a one-day working visit to La Côte d’Ivoire for a bilateral meeting with his Ivorian counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara.
The visit, part of President Mahama’s efforts to consolidate Ghana’s relations with its ECOWAS neighbours, saw the two leaders discuss issues of regional security, particularly the Alliance of Sahel States, improving cocoa production, and combating illegal mining.
President Ouattara commended Mahama for establishing channels of dialogue with the Sahel states, noting that it would facilitate the reconciliation of the three Sahelian countries with ECOWAS.
The two leaders recognised their countries’ significant contribution to the global cocoa market, which accounts for approximately 80% of worldwide production. They discussed strategies to enhance global pricing and value addition in the cocoa sector.
Acknowledging that many waterways and tributaries cross both countries, the presidents noted the severe consequences galamsey has inflicted on their respective environments.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
A political dispute has erupted within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Kintampo South Constituency of the Bono East Region, as at least 16 assemblymen have petitioned the party’s leadership to take action against Regional Chairman Unas Owusu and three other executives.
According to myjoyonline.com report, the assemblymen accuse Unas Owusu and the constituency executives of orchestrating the kidnapping, brutal assault, and torture of a party member, Alfred Agandaah Atewene, also known as Tutu, on February 19, 2025.
According to the petitioners, Tutu’s only offense was questioning an unexplained disappearance of 200 bags of rice, allegedly part of 600 bags seized from former Member of Parliament Alex Gyan.
The accused constituency executives include Robert Sakyi (Slimmer), Chairman, Wilfred Zuuri, Secretary, and Atanga Matthew, Communication Officer.
The report explained that Alfred Agandaah was reportedly hospitalized after suffering serious injuries from an alleged abduction and assault.
He claims he was forcibly taken by four men, bundled into a vehicle, and driven into a bush, where he feared for his life.
Agandaah has pointed to Unas Owusu as the mastermind behind the attack. However, according to myjoyonline.com when Unas Owusu was contacted, he denied any involvement in the alleged crime.
Read the petition below:
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
L-R: Gramps Morgan and King Paluta
Jamaican Grammy-winning singer Gramps Morgan has saluted Ghana’s sensational Highlife/Hiplife star, King Paluta (born Thomas Adjei Wireko), for his exceptional musical talent.
On February 23, 2025, Paluta posted a snippet of the official YouTube visualiser for track 10, Magic, from his 13-track debut album, Give Time Some Time, on Instagram (IG).
In the comments, industry mates like Sista Afia and Dee Wills cheered him on.
On March 4, Gramps Morgan came into the comments, too, saying, “Much respect.”
The short message carried much weight given Gramps’ celebrated music gift and his experience and expertise in music. His comment also demonstrated the power of music to cross borders, breaking taste, language and cultural barriers, while appealing to diverse consumers.
In response, the multiple award-winning King Paluta said, “Legendary!! Thank you.”
In 2024, Paluta bagged two Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) awards, Best New Artiste and Hiplife Song of the Year, after a 20-year effort to come into music success.
This year, the rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer is one of the favourites to lift the ultimate trophy, Artiste of the Year. Hiplife legend Okyeame Kwame has said he sees no one else the honour better suited.
A screenshot from the 68th Independence Day celebration at the Jubilee House
Ghanaians will, today, March 6, 2025, hold celebratory activities to mark the country’s liberation from colonial rule nearly seven decades ago.
Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led the successful negotiations with the British colonial government and declared independence on March 6, 1957, became the first Prime Minister and later the first President of Ghana in 1960.
Unlike previous years, when grand ceremonies ignited the country’s historic Black Star Square and regional capitals, this year’s commemoration will be “modest” to cut costs, the government has said.
A parade will be held at the seat of government, where the president will address the nation to herald the celebrations.
Watch a livestream of the event below:
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
Managing Director of Ghana Commercial Bank, Farihan Alhassan
GCB Bank PLC has announced outstanding financial results for 2024, marking a significant milestone as the Bank concludes the final year of its 4-year strategic cycle.
The audited financial results released today show the Bank achieved a record-high Profit Before Tax (PBT) of GHS 1.91 billion, a 25.3% year-on-year increase.
This remarkable performance highlights the Bank’s resilience in a challenging and uncertain operating environment, which included a major regulatory change that impacted liquidity industry-wide.
Revenue for the year grew by 19%, driven by a 19.02% increase in interest income, a 42.72% surge in non-funded income, and an 8.41% increase in net trading income.
These gains reflect GCB Bank’s continued focus on operational excellence and its ability to adapt to market conditions.
Strategic Focus Drives Balance Sheet Expansion
The Bank’s strategic shift in 2024 towards a strong sales and customer-centric approach has significantly contributed to deposits and loan book expansion, positioning GCB Bank to reclaim its dominance in Ghana’s banking sector.
As a result, the Bank’s balance sheet grew by 58% year-on-year, reaching GHS 42.58 billion, representing an 11.58% share of the industry’s total assets. This outpaced the 33.79% growth in industry-wide assets. GCB’s loan book grew by 52.83% year-on-year to GHS 10.2 billion, securing an 11.85% share of the total industry loans.
Total deposits increased by GHS 12.73 billion to reach GHS 34.63 billion in 2024, reflecting a 58.1% year-on-year growth, which compares favorably with the industry-wide deposit growth of 28.76%.
Improved Asset Quality and Stronger Capital Position
The strong financial performance in 2024 has further solidified GCB Bank’s capital position.
Shareholders’ equity surged by 44.72% year-on-year to GHS 4.05 billion, translating into a year-end Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15.23% without relief, comfortably above the regulatory minimum of 13%.
This marks a significant step in the Bank’s ability to operate without reliance on regulatory forbearance.
Asset quality continues to improve, with our Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio declining by 5.1% year-on-year to 15.1%. By maintaining a proactive approach to risk management, the bank expects to sustain the improvement in asset quality.
GCB’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to GHS 4.56, while the Return on Equity (RoE) stood at 35.29%, reflecting efficient capital utilization. The Return on Assets (RoA) for the year was 3.48%.
Focus on Sustained Profitability Amid Rising Costs
The 2024 performance continues the resilience GCB has shown in rebounding strongly from the economic crisis despite the prevailing challenges in the operating environment.
Investments in the systems, people, and technology have set a strong base for growth as we transition into a new strategy cycle from 2025.
While the record profit came within the context of increasing costs from interest expense, fees and commission expense, and other operating expenses, in part, reflect the prevailing market dynamics, efficiency in operations and the use of capital and cost control remain topical themes as the bank transitions into a new strategy cycle.
With the steady improvement in the operating environment expected to unlock growth opportunities, the bank’s sustainable and customer-focused approach to driving deposit and revenue growth via digitalization, proactive sales, ecosystem incubation, and market diversification are expected to come to the fore.
Thus, this renewed sales and customer service focus with technology as the enabler, is expected to sustain profitability through the next phase of the Bank’s strategy amidst the ongoing cost efficiency drive through streamlined processes and effective cost control.
Commenting on the results, Managing Director of GCB Bank, Mr. Farihan Alhassan, stated: “2024 has been a truly exceptional year for GCB Bank. These stellar results represent the best performance in our history in nominal terms, marking a significant achievement in our journey. However, we recognize areas where we need improvement. This performance notwithstanding, there is still room for improvement in our efficiency metrics.”
The MD assured that, with the sizeable investment in systems, talents and people, the bank is on course to enhance efficiency within our network”.
Mr. Alhassan concluded, “Overall, 2024 was a strong year, and we are determined to build on this momentum as we look to the future and continue to drive growth in the years ahead.”
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Nana Pooley tragically lost his life after being stabbed during a Ghana Premier League match
Asante Kotoko fan Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Nana Pooley,’ who tragically lost his life after being stabbed during a Ghana Premier League match, will be laid to rest today, Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The funeral will take place at Heroes Park, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, where family, friends, football administrators, and supporters will gather to bid farewell to the passionate supporters of the Porcupine Warriors.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has arrived in Kumasi and will lead a high-powered delegation, including Executive Council members, Regional Football Association Chairmen, and club officials, to pay their last respects and offer solidarity to Asante Kotoko during this difficult time.
President Simeon-Okraku previously visited the club and the bereaved family to extend his condolences. The funeral is expected to draw several football stakeholders and fans from across the country, as the Ghanaian football community mourns the loss of a dedicated supporter.
Meanwhile watch as Ghanaians debate the appointment of Jordan Ayew as Black Stars captain below
US President Donald Trump has said that “nobody has ever heard of” the African country of Lesotho – a comment that has “shocked” its government.
It is a small country in southern Africa that almost entirely consists of mountains and is completely surrounded by South Africa.
Here are nine things to know about the country:
‘The Kingdom in the Sky’
The Kingdom of Lesotho is made up mostly of highlands, where many villages can only be reached on horseback, by foot or light aircraft.
It is known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” and is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000m (3,281ft) in elevation, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. Its lowest point is at 1,400m.
It is known to have one of the world’s most intimidating airstrips to land on – the Matekane Airstrip has a short runway and with long drops at both ends.
The Business Insider website describes flying from the airport as “essentially the same as when a bird is pushed out of the nest in order to learn to fly”.
It’s completely surrounded by South Africa
Lesotho is completely encircled by South Africa, but separated by the forbidding mountain ranges.
Not much of its land is available for farming, with its population vulnerable to food shortages and relying on income from jobs in South Africa. Over the decades thousands of workers have been forced by the lack of job opportunities at home to find work in South Africa.
The people of Lesotho, who number more than two million, share some cultural and language similarities with South Africans. Their language, Sesotho, is also one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. In fact, more people speak it in South Africa – 4.6 million – than in Lesotho.
Lesotho’s biggest resource is ‘white gold’
Resources are scarce in Lesotho – a consequence of the harsh environment of the highland plateau and limited agricultural space in the lowlands.
Its biggest resource is water – known locally as white gold – which is exported to South Africa. Diamonds are another major export.
The highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa
When you think of skiing and snowboarding, you may imagine the snowy slopes of Europe and North America.
But Lesotho has been making itself known on the snowsports scene. It has the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa, one of just a handful on the continent.
Afriski is situated 3,222m above sea level, high up in Lesotho’s Maloti mountains and attracts visitors from Africa and beyond.
People from Lesotho are called Basotho
People from Lesotho are referred to as Basotho.
Some of the cultural items associated with the Basotho people are their blankets and the Basotho traditional conical hats, known as the mokorotlo. The hat is a national symbol and appears in the middle of the country’s flag.
The blankets are made from thick wool, with their intricate and colourful patterns each telling a different story of the Basotho people’s history. The Basotho wear them as shawls at special events and give them as gifts.
It has one of the highest HIV rates in the world
Lesotho has one of the highest rates of HIV prevalence in the world, with one in five adults living with HIV, and more infections per 100,000 people than most other countries, including neighbouring Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini.
The US government has committed nearly $1bn to help the country deal with HIV since 2006, including for prevention, care and treatment services, according to the US State Department.
Prince Harry has long-standing personal charity interests in Lesotho
Like the United Kingdom, Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy. This means that although it has a royal family, an elected prime minister runs the country.
Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso – the younger brother of current King Letsie III – is close friends with the UK’s Prince Harry.
The pair have set up a charity in Lesotho – Sentebale, which means “forget me not”. The organisation works with local communities in the country at grassroots level, helping young people affected by HIV/Aids.
Prince Harry first went to Lesotho as a 19-year-old and has returned to the country many times since then.
It exports jeans to the US
Jeans have long been associated with the American West but nowadays, many of the pairs worn in the US have come from halfway across the world, in Lesotho.
Lesotho’s garment factories have made jeans for iconic American brands such as Levi’s and Wrangler in recent years. As a result, Lesotho has become known as the “denim capital of Africa”.
And it is not just jeans – Lesotho is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest exporters of clothing in general to the US.
Last year, Lesotho exported $237m (£184m) worth of clothes and textiles to the US through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which allows eligible African countries to send some goods to the US without paying taxes.
It is ranked second by value of goods exported under the deal.
Many of Lesotho’s clothing and textile factories are owned by Chinese and Taiwanese migrants.
The country with the world’s highest suicide rate
The mountain kingdom has the world’s highest suicide rate, with 87.5 people per 100,000 of the population taking their own life every year, according to the UN World Health Organization.
This is nearly 10 times the global average of nine and more than double the country with the second highest rate, Guyana, which has about 40.
There is no single reason for this shocking statistic – experts point to the abuse of drugs and alcohol, the shortage of jobs and the lack of mental health counselling.
Weddings are mostly about grand gestures—romantic speeches, surprise dance performances, and heart-felt vows. Now, a groom––Rahul Bhagtani––has taken a more structured approach by delivering his pre-wedding speech with a PowerPoint presentation.
A video of Bhagtani’s speech for his fiancée Pooja has gone viral, leaving the Internet in splits. Shared on Instagram, the clip begins with Bhagtani saying, “I would like to say a few words before I spend the next 40 years listening.” The crowd erupts in laughter, instantly hooked.
His presentation titled “My love for Pooja. PS – I make the best slides” quickly turns into a roast.
Pointing to an image of a small cream box on the screen, Bhagtani says, “Do you guys know what this is?” before answering, “This was my skincare routine before I met Pooja.” The next slide? A complete 10-step skincare regimen—courtesy of Pooja, a dermatologist. With a straight face, he says, “This is the secret behind my sundar and komal twacha (smooth and beautiful skin).” The audience bursts out laughing as he lists out his new daily essentials—face wash, sunscreen, moisturiser, and more.
Posting the video on Instagram, Bhagtani captioned it, “My wife thought my wedding speech would be romantic… but turns out, it was a full-on roast session! Before marriage: Soap, water & Nivea cream. After marriage: A 10-step skincare routine.”
Social media couldn’t get enough of his witty delivery. One user said, “Being a dermat, if my husband doesn’t do this, I’m not gonna marry.” Another user wrote, “If he ain’t like this, I’m walking out of my reception.” A third Instagram user commented, “Bhai, consulting me kaam karta hai kya? Idhar bhi PPT khol diya? (Bro, do you work in consulting? You opened a PPT here as well).”
In a follow-up video, Bhagtani continued his roast: “Pooja, my beautiful to-be wife, before meeting you I was incomplete… and now for certain, I can say that I am finished.” The crowd cheered, and a woman’s voice from the audience could be heard saying, “It’s lovely!”
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Bhagtani’s unique mix of humour and love made for an unforgettable wedding speech—one that the Internet (and his wife) won’t forget any time soon.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, has stressed the importance of history in guiding national decision-making and development planning.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 6, Dr. Thompson emphasized that understanding Ghana’s past is essential for shaping its future.
“We cannot play down the relevance of history. Development is history. In the 40-year national development plan, there is a whole section that we devoted to Ghana’s history,” he stated.
He highlighted that knowledge of the country’s historical journey serves as a crucial reference point for informed policymaking.
The 40-year national development plan incorporates lessons from Ghana’s past to shape strategies for sustainable growth and long-term progress.
“That knowledge is a critical reference point for making contemporary [decisions],” he added.
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Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication has revealed that Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations will cost only a tenth of the amount spent last year.
Today, March 6 the scaled-down event will take place at the Jubilee House.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, everything has been scaled down to significantly reduce costs.
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The Ghana Police Service has announced the temporary closure of several roads in Accra as part of security arrangements for Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Jubilee House today.
In a press release signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Police informed the public that specific roads will be closed to vehicular traffic and will only be reopened after the event.
The following roads have been blocked as part of the security measures:
To ease traffic congestion, motorists are advised to use the following diversion routes:
The Police have warned that no vehicles will be allowed to park in unauthorised areas or along blocked roads. However, security vehicles and those transporting dignitaries will be permitted entry after thorough checks.
To ensure smooth traffic management, Traffic Police Officers will be stationed to direct motorists to the appropriate car parks and diversion routes. Additionally, towing services will be on standby to remove any abandoned, disabled, or wrongly parked vehicles.
Public cooperation urged
The Ghana Police Service is urging the general public, especially motorists, to adhere to these arrangements and plan their routes accordingly.
“Motorists are further advised to take note of these arrangements and plan alternative routes before embarking on their journeys,” the statement read.
With security and smooth traffic flow being a priority, the Police have called for full cooperation to ensure the success of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has urged the National Peace Council to partner with his ministry to resolve chieftaincy disputes and promote peace across Ghana.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call by the management of the National Peace Council at the ministry’s offices on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Welcoming the delegation, the minister praised the Council’s efforts in maintaining peace during the 2024 general elections, particularly for facilitating the signing of a peace pact by political parties and their presidential candidates.
“I want to commend you for the tremendous role you played in ensuring peace in the just-ended 2024 general elections,” he stated.
Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the merger of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, as formalized by the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025 (E.I. 1).
He noted that this new structure positions the ministry to address pressing issues, including chieftaincy disputes, which he described as “an albatross around the neck of our Traditional Authorities.”
The minister called for collaboration with the Peace Council, leveraging its expertise in conflict prevention and resolution.
“With your expertise and proven track record in conflict prevention, management, resolution, and sustainable peace, I would want you to collaborate with this Ministry in resolving existing disputes amongst the various Traditional Authorities amicably and prevent new ones from cropping up,” he said.
He further proposed that the Council work with Regional Coordinating Councils and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to strengthen decentralized structures.
This, he explained, would help communities appreciate and understand the values of diversity, trust, tolerance, confidence building, negotiation, mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation.
“My Ministry is committed to working closely with you in ensuring peace prevails in all aspects of society for the promotion of good governance and development that would meet the aspirations of the ordinary citizens,” the minister added.
Speaking to the media, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, George Andoh assured of the Council’s commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders including the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to resolve chieftaincy disputes which have the potential to hinder national development.
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
The deal aligns with Canada’s Blue-Sky policy, designed to foster sustainable competition
The Canadian government and Ghana have signed their first-ever air transport agreement, aiming to expand connectivity, tourism, and trade between the two countries.
According to a graphic online.com report, the agreement, announced by Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Anita Anand, grants airlines from both nations the right to operate scheduled passenger and cargo flights.
The report detailed that, under the deal, carriers from Canada and Ghana will be permitted to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights, significantly improving air travel accessibility.
The agreement also introduces greater flexibility in airline designation, allowing multiple carriers from each country to operate routes between any destinations in Canada and Ghana.
This measure is expected to enhance competition, provide more travel options, and create a more dynamic aviation market.
Anand highlighted Ghana’s growing role in Canada’s global economic strategy, expressing optimism about the opportunities the agreement will unlock.
“Ghana represents an important and expanding market for Canada. This historic agreement will create new possibilities for travellers and businesses in both nations, strengthening our cultural and commercial ties,” she stated.
The deal aligns with Canada’s Blue Sky policy, designed to foster sustainable competition in the aviation sector.
Canada has now established air transport agreements with over 125 countries, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the industry.
Economic benefits are also expected from the agreement, with trade between Canada and Ghana already surpassing $380 million in 2023.
Canadian exports to Ghana amounted to $281 million, while imports from Ghana reached $99.8 million.
Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Mary Ng, added, “This air transport agreement marks a major step forward in our trade relationship with Ghana. It will enhance connectivity, drive tourism, and support economic expansion.
“Canadian exporters will gain greater access to the West African market, allowing businesses to meet global demand and fostering stronger international trade partnerships.
Effective immediately, the agreement enables airlines to operate flights under the new terms without delay.
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Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming
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On March 5, 2025, Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin called on Dr. Johnson Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, to remain impartial and resist any political pressure. Afenyo-Markin, who represents the Effutu constituency for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), issued the warning during a parliamentary session, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the office.
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the pivotal role the Bank of Ghana plays in the country’s economic stability and growth, emphasizing that the position of Governor should be shielded from political influence. He urged Dr. Asiama to be cautious of any actions that could politicize the office, warning that such behavior could have serious consequences for the country’s economic governance.
Alongside his remarks on the Bank of Ghana, Afenyo-Markin also took aim at the Majority’s recent conduct in Parliament. He expressed concerns over what he described as attempts to bypass long-established parliamentary procedures. He accused the Majority of undermining legislative norms, which he argued could damage the credibility of the parliamentary process and set a dangerous precedent for future lawmakers.
Afenyo-Markin further warned that the erosion of parliamentary rules could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic values and governance. He voiced frustration over the change in attitude among some Majority members, questioning how the respect for parliamentary procedure seemed to have diminished. His comments reflected concerns about the potential consequences of disregarding long-standing parliamentary traditions, which he believes are essential to maintaining order and accountability in the legislative process.
Modern Ghana
African print fashion has transcended cultural boundaries, with its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich history captivating the world. One of the most popular trends in contemporary African fashion is the matching top and trouser set, made from African wax prints, kente, ankara, or other distinctive fabrics. These pieces celebrate the beauty of African culture while offering versatility, comfort, and a bold style statement. Let’s explore why African print matching top and trouser sets have become a favorite in modern wardrobes.
African prints, often referred to as Ankara fabric, are known for their bold, geometric, and vibrant designs. These fabrics are woven with bright hues, symbolic motifs, and intricate patterns, making them stand out in any crowd. Each print carries its own unique meaning, often reflecting the cultural heritage, history, and identity of the African people. Over the years, African prints have evolved from traditional, cultural attire to a symbol of modern fashion, worn across the globe.
The concept of matching tops and trousers is not only about making a fashion statement but also about embracing the ease of coordinating an entire outfit in one go. The following are reasons why African print matching sets are so popular:
1. Versatility: Matching tops and trousers provide a hassle-free approach to styling. Whether you are attending a wedding, a casual day out, or a formal event, these outfits can be adapted to different occasions. By mixing and matching with other accessories, the same set can be dressed up or down.
2. Bold Fashion Statement: The boldness of African prints naturally commands attention. A matching top and trouser set enhances the appeal of the print, creating a cohesive and striking look. The complementary nature of the colors and patterns makes it a standout choice in any setting.
3. Cultural Significance: Wearing African prints is not just about fashion; it’s also a way of celebrating and honoring African heritage. For many, it’s a connection to their roots and an opportunity to showcase pride in their culture. By wearing these fabrics, individuals promote African art, craftsmanship, and traditions.
4. Comfort and Style: The lightweight and breathable nature of African print fabrics like cotton and linen makes them perfect for both hot and cold weather. The loose cuts of trousers and tops provide ease of movement, making them comfortable for everyday wear.
The beauty of African print matching top and trouser sets lies in their diversity. From tailored trousers to wide-leg cuts, the combinations are endless. Some popular styles include:
– Classic Ankara Set: A fitted top with a high-waist, slim-cut trouser. This classic style works well for formal and semi-formal events, especially when paired with statement accessories like bold jewelry or heels.
– Peplum Top and Trousers: The peplum top, with its flare at the waist, offers a chic and feminine silhouette. Paired with a straight-leg or wide-leg trouser, this combination is both elegant and trendy.
– Maxi Trouser and Crop Top: For a more casual look, a high-waist maxi trouser paired with a matching crop top creates an effortlessly stylish appearance. It’s perfect for street fashion and outdoor events.
– Jumpsuits: Some African print jumpsuits combine both the top and trouser into one piece, offering a seamless outfit. These are often preferred for evening wear or casual gatherings and can be accessorized with a statement belt or shoes.
To complement the boldness of the African print matching top and trouser set, accessories are key. Here are some ideas:
– Jewelry: Traditional beaded jewelry, large hoop earrings, or gold accessories can elevate the outfit. Neckpieces and bangles are particularly favored for their ability to complement the prints.
– Footwear: Depending on the occasion, footwear can range from comfortable flats to elegant heels. Sandals with ethnic designs or wedges can help accentuate the vibrant colors of the outfit.
– Headgear: A beautifully tied headscarf or turban can add a unique touch. The matching of headgear with the outfit is a traditional practice in many African cultures and adds an extra layer of elegance.
The global fashion industry has embraced African prints, and designers worldwide are incorporating them into contemporary fashion lines. Celebrities, influencers, and fashion-forward individuals across the world have adopted African print matching sets as part of their wardrobe. Whether on the red carpet or in everyday settings, these prints serve as a way of celebrating diversity while making a fashion statement.
The rise of African print fashion has contributed to the growing recognition and appreciation of African artistry and craftsmanship in global fashion. From haute couture to street style, African prints are being integrated into mainstream fashion, offering a fresh, exciting perspective on global trends.
Conclusion
African print matching top and trouser sets are more than just a trend—they represent a cultural shift in global fashion. With their rich history, bold patterns, and versatility, these outfits continue to be celebrated worldwide. Whether worn for a special occasion or daily wear, they offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and cultural pride. The power of African prints lies in their ability to transcend borders, connect people, and showcase the vibrancy of African culture in the most fashionable way possible.
